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Capitals seek first three-game winning streak of campaign

Nov 9, 2006 - 1:59 PM Washington (6-4-4) at Carolina (7-6-3) 7:00 pm EST

RALEIGH, North Carolina (Ticker) - By ending a pair of recent winless streaks, the Washington Capitals are proving they are no longer a pushover.

Reigning Calder Trophy winner Alexander Ovechkin looks to lead the Capitals to their first three-game winning streak of the season in Thursday's meeting with the defending champion Carolina Hurricanes.

Ovechkin and Ben Clymer scored two goals apiece to help Washington snap a 16-game winless drought at Philadelphia dating to January 31, 1998, with Saturday's 5-3 victory over the Flyers.

Two days later, Ovechkin again scored twice and Chris Clark netted the clincher in overtime as the Capitals rallied from a three-goal deficit to end an eight-game home winless skid against Ottawa with Monday's 4-3 triumph over the Senators.

Although they have won three of their last five contests, the Hurricanes come off Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils.

Eric Staal scored his ninth goal of the season, Rod Brind'Amour added his fifth and Ray Whitney collected his 15th assist for Carolina, which is 2-2-1 at home.

Alexander Semin recorded a hat trick and Ovechkin scored twice for Washington in a 5-2 win over Carolina on October 7.